WCC seeks 85% super-fast broadband coverage

Wiltshire County Council (WCC) will use its Broadband Delivery UK funding to deliver 85 per cent super-fast broadband access by 2015, it has been reported.

The authority was recently awarded £4.9 million in government funding to deliver enhanced broadband services in rural areas.

An additional £16 million in funding has already been set aside by WCC to reduce the digital divide in Wiltshire.

Council Deputy Leader John Thomson told This is Wiltshire that 99 per cent of businesses across the county view high-speed broadband as important.

However, just 44 per cent said they had an adequate connection.

"This survey clearly demonstrates that being online is becoming increasingly essential to our everyday lives. That’s why we are investing in this very crucial area," Councillor Thomson said.

"Families can make, on average, savings of £530 per year by paying their bills and doing their shopping online. Businesses can use the internet to improve their communications with customers and increase their sales."

He added that access to the internet can also help to reduce social isolation, bring rural communities together and help people learn new skills.

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